Are Fallen Arches a Real Foot Problem?

Are fallen arches a real foot problem, or just a label for chronically sore feet?

Fallen arches --or flat feet-- are a legitimate medical condition affecting five percent of Americans.

Flat feet can be present at birth, or develop over decades of walking, running and overall time spent on the feet, especially on hard surfaces in the workplace.

There are several types of flatfoot conditions that occur in adults. The most common type is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching a tendon that supports the arch. Another common type is flexible flatfoot, in which the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

Flat feet can be very painful and make people avoid walking, running and exercise, but if you seek medical attention early, a foot and ankle surgeon may be able to prevent it from becoming a more serious foot problem.

Treatments for this condition may include modification of limiting activities, stretching exercises, custom shoe inserts and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If those techniques don't work a variety of surgical procedures may be considered to relieve pain and improve foot function.

For more information about flatfoot treatment or other painful foot conditions, please call the office, 440-946-5858, for more information or a consultation.

Women: Still think high heels are worth it?

It’s not what fashion-conscious women want to hear: Another warning about high heels.

Pump-style shoes often cause significant pain by irritating a common bony deformity on the back of the heel called ‘pump bump.’ In many cases, it can lead to bursitis or Achilles tendonitis if left untreated.

'Pump bump' is common in young women who wear high heels almost every day. The rigid back of a pump-style shoe can create pressure that aggravates the heel bone when walking. The bump or bony protrusion is a hereditary deformity that can cause Achilles tendonitis or bursitis due to constant irritation from pump-style shoes. Those with high arches or tight Achilles tendons are especially vulnerable to developing pump bump if they work in high heels.

The medical term for this disorder is Haglund’s deformity. In addition to the noticeable bump, symptoms include pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, swelling in the back of the heel and redness to the area.

In most women, doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the pain and inflammation and/or dispense stretching exercises to alleviate the tension in the Achilles tendon. This does not, however, get rid of the bony protrusion. Long-term, it’s best to avoid wearing high heels, if possible.

When the dress code requires high heels, heel lifts to decrease pressure on the heel is recommended or dress shoes with soft backs or are backless would be recommended.

Women with foot pain can contact the office at 440-946-5858 for more information on "pump bump" and/or other foot and ankle conditions.

Hikers and hunters: Long, vigorous hikes take toll on feet, ankles

As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take.

Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don’t realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain. Lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into physician offices each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.

Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if un-conditioned properly before hitting the trail. Also, many don’t realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren’t the best choice for extended hiking and hunting, that well constructed hiking boots are a better choice.

Hikers and hunters must invest in top-quality hiking boots: Boots that are strong, well insulated, moisture-proof with steel or graphite shanks. The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don’t buy it.

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. Synthetic socks should be utilized as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. The second layer should consist of wool socks, to maintain warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin and help make the hiking boot more comfortable.

What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. If you’re not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache. To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain.

Evaluation is recommended if there is persistent pain following a hiking or hunting outing, therefore please give our office a call for evaluation, 440-946-5858.

Prevent your Child from Getting this Painful Foot Problem

Parents can prevent a common childhood foot problem, ingrown toenails, by following some simple recommendations.

Ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions treated in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.

Tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming are the most common causes for this condition. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve.

Parents must teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Toenails should be trimmed in a fairly straight line and cut not too short.

Parents must also ensure their children's shoes fit well. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child's foot.

If your child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.

The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous "bathroom surgeries" carry a high risk for infection.

For more information on pediatric foot problems such as ingrown toenails, please contact my office at 440-946-5858.

Yard Cleanup Can Be Tough On Feet

Fall is the time to clear out the remains of summer gardens from the yard. Keep your feet and ankles safe from injury by following these helpful tips.

Wear appropriate shoes for the task:
No matter how warm it is, don’t wear sandals. Wear sturdy leather shoes with support to protect your feet from sharp objects, including the blades of power equipment.
Keep children away from power equipment:
Protect your kids and others from severe trauma. Leaf blowers, power lawn mowers and chain saws should not be left out where kids are playing or where other inexperienced users can have access.

Don’t work on wet surfaces:
Don’t work on wet surfaces. Ankle sprains and fractures can easily occur from slipping on wet grass or leaves, especially when carrying heavy loads across the yard.

Remember, yard work is a workout!
Before starting your yard work, warm up and perform stretching exercises, just as you would before working out at the gym. By stretching prior to activity, you can help avoid stressing muscles and tendons in the foot, ankle and calves.

If you or someone you knows suffers an injury during your labors within the yard, please give our office a call for a consultation, 440-946-5858.